Belagavi: The district administration, in collaboration with PeTA India, conducted a sensitisation workshop for more than 150 government officials to ensure effective implementation of an order promoting safe and animal-friendly transportation during the annual Chinchali Mayakka Devi Jatra. The workshop, held at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha on Saturday, brought together officials from the police, animal husbandry, revenue, transport and panchayat departments across the district.The initiative follows an order issued by deputy commissioner Mohammad Roshan under Section 31 of the Karnataka Police Act, 1963. The order mandates the use of non-animal transport to and from the fair and prohibits the use of bullock carts, horse carts, pony carts and other animal-drawn vehicles for passenger transport. It also bans the movement of animals for races and other activities that could endanger animal welfare or public safety.Senior officials, including superintendent of police K Ramarajan, deputy director of animal husbandry and veterinary services Dr Ravi S Saligoudar and IAS probationer Rohit Singh, attended the programme. The session was led by PeTA India legal advisor and director of cruelty response Meet Ashar, along with senior cruelty response coordinator Sinchana Subramanyan.Officials were briefed on the deputy commissioner’s order, provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, departmental responsibilities, enforcement mechanisms and legal action against violators. The administration has directed coordinated implementation involving police, transport, revenue and animal husbandry departments.Traditionally, thousands of devotees travel long distances to the fair in animal-drawn carts. However, authorities and animal welfare groups have raised concerns about animal suffering, exhaustion, injuries and road safety risks. NGO Animal Rahat has offered to facilitate alternative mechanised transport for devotees requiring assistance.PeTA India praised the district administration’s proactive approach, stating that the measures would improve both animal welfare and public safety. The organisation has also urged district administrations in Maharashtra’s Sangli, Solapur, Kolhapur and Satara districts to adopt similar measures and support enforcement of Belagavi’s order.
